Beyond the basics of clippers and scissors is a specialty for the scalp.
“We’ve seen really amazing results with people who are struggling with any type of dry skin on their scalp, or oil buildup or product buildup,” stylist Bekah Reeves said.
She is trained in Japanese head spa treatment, a well-established Eastern procedure with growing popularity in the United States, thanks in large part to a strong presence on social media.
Reeves provides the service as a relatively new offering at SELAH, a salon co-owned by Sarah Morante of Bethel Park and Lauren McLean of Upper St. Clair.
“She goes through a full consultation about your scalp health,” McLean said. “She will talk with you about any issues you might be having, and then she will come up with a treatment for you.”
The treatment begins with the use of a magnifying scope to assess various aspects of the hair and scalp, plus taking a close-up photo to compare with “after” images.
“We have targeted products for certain conditions,” Reeves said. “During the scalp analysis, I pick out those products.”
Cleansing, exfoliation and massage are integral parts of the ensuing process, which McLean described as “basically like a 45-minute-to-an-hour shampoo.”
“If you don’t have an issue, you can still benefit from it, which is really nice,” she said. “It’s a relaxing, rejuvenating treatment.”
The salon’s adding the service corresponds with the overall concept of SELAH, as reflected in its name.
“It’s a Biblical word, and there’s not really a direct translation,” Morante said. “A lot of people believe it means to pause or to reflect or to uplift. We want our clients to feel that.”
She and McLean have known each other since attending the same church in childhood, and they’ve worked together for more than 15 years, including operating a salon at the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. They opened SELAH early this year in Hastings, a South Fayette neighborhood combining homes and businesses at the former location of Mayview State Hospital.
The original plan was for just the two of them to take care of all their patrons. But they eventually added two experienced stylists, Chelsea Jacovino and Kathryn Taylor, along with Reeves.
Morante attributes the salon’s healthy customer base to a strong sense of community and caring.
“We cry with our clients. We’re the first to hear good news. We’re the first to hear really bad news. We pray with our clients,” she said. “It’s a really special way that we work, and it works for us.”
Other SELAH services include customized color and cuts, hair extensions, smoothing treatments, balayage highlights and foiling techniques. As for Japanese head spa treatments, customers are curious.
“They’re asking a lot about it,” McLean said, “because it’s something that’s so different.”
Helping to satisfy curiosity around the nation, writers for various outlets have written about their Japanese head spa experiences. Summaries include:
• “To me, the scalp massage and wash services were excellent and worth it. I would return just for those alone because they were on par with a spa service like a full-body massages or a facial, but significantly cheaper.” — Cameron Jenkins, Good Housekeeping
• “Post-treatment, my scalp felt incredibly clean, and my hair had never felt softer. My only grievance is existential: Sometimes, caring for so many different body parts can feel cumbersome. From the monthly mani/pedis and facials to the occasional ‘back facial,’ it can feel like so much of our time and budgets are consumed with trying to keep everything pristine. But a head spa treatment is truly a treat, benefiting scalp health and serving as a relaxing ritual you can look forward to.” — Iman Balagam, Byrdie
• “Overall, my Japanese head spa experience was a huge success and, if you’re anything like me and think the best part of the hairdressers is having your hair washed, this is the treatment for you.” —Natalie McGowan, Style Magazines